JP3616640B2

JP3616640B2 - Support legs

Info

Publication number: JP3616640B2
Application number: JP50429894A
Authority: JP
Inventors: イーアンシール，デイビッド
Original assignee: ロバート・ジャーノス・ボクロス
Priority date: 1992-07-22
Filing date: 1993-07-22
Publication date: 2005-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2020-02-02
Also published as: WO1994002698A1; EP0653008A1; AU4714893A; DE69314039T2; ATE158373T1; DE69314039D1; EP0653008B1; GB9215594D0; JPH07509293A; AU678984B2

Abstract

A support leg comprising an upstanding member (12) and securing means (18) for securing an elongate member (44) to the upstanding member (12). When the elongate member is secured to the upstanding member, a planar member (42A to 42E) can be supported on the elongate member to define at least a part of a platform (40). The securing means is movable from a securing position to secure the elongate member (44) to the upstanding member (12) and a non-securing position where member can be removed from the upstanding member. The support leg is suitable for use in forming a platform (40).

Description

技術分野
本発明は、支持脚に関する。
技術背景
左官業者や建築業者には、しばしば、例えば天井等に手を届かせるために何らかの形態のプラットホームを必要とする。
この目的のためにいろいろな形態のプラットホームが使用されており、例えば、作業者がその上に立つことができるトレッスル（架台）を使用したり、あるいはトレッスルを利用できない場合には、例えば木枠や木の板材を用いて間に合わせのプラットホームを組み立てることができる。しかしながら、そのような構造は、不安定で、強度に欠けるので満足なものではない。
発明の開示
本発明の目的は、従来技術のこれらの欠点を解消又は軽減することにある。
本発明の一側面によれば、直立部材と、細長部材を該直立部材に固定するための固定手段とから成り、細長部材を該直立部材に固定すれば、プラットホームの少くとも一部分を画定するためのプラットホーム部材を該細長部材上に支持することができるようになされており、該固定手段は、前記細長部材を直立部材に固定するための固定位置と、細長部材を該直立部材から外すことを許す非固定位置との間で移動自在であることを特徴とするプラットホームが提供される。
前記固定手段は、それが前記固定位置にもたらされたときプラットホーム部材に係合してプラットホーム部材を前記細長部材上に保持するようになされた突出部材から成るものであることが好ましい。この突出部材は、細長い部材とし、固定手段が固定位置にもたらされたとき前記直立部材から横断方向に突出させることができるようになされている。
前記固定手段は、前記細長部材を受容するように構成することが好ましく、細長部材の一端部分を受容するようにＵ字形部材の形とすることができる。例えば、このＵ字形部材は、実質的に断面円筒形の細長部材を受容するように湾曲した形状とすることができる。あるいは、このＵ字形部材のＵ字形は、実質的に正方形又は長方形の断面形状を有する細長部材を受容するように正方形又は長方形とすることもできる。
Ｕ字形部材には、該Ｕ字形部材に受容された前記細長部材に係合して該細長部材を固定するためのボルトと螺合するねじ孔を形成することができる。このボルトは、第１ねじ付き部分と、第１ねじ付き部分から横断方向に延長した第２部分を有する形状とし、第２部分が前記突出部材を構成するようにすることができる。このボルトは、実質的にＬ字形であることが好ましい。
本発明は、例えば断面円筒形又は長方形のバーの形の細長部材と組み合わせて使用するのに特に適している。
プラットホーム部材の少くとも１つの一方の側縁には、前記突出部材を受容することができる複数の孔を形成し、該突出部材をプラットホーム部材の該孔に挿入することによってプラットホーム部材を前記細長部材上に保持することができるように構成することができる。あるいは別法として、プラットホーム部材の少くとも１つ上面に、前記突出部材を受容することができる複数のスリーブを付設し、該突出部材をプラットホーム部材の該スリーブに挿入することによってプラットホーム部材を前記細長部材上に保持することができるように構成することができる。
前記Ｕ字形部材は、その両端を好ましくは溶接によって実質的に平坦なプレートに取り付けることができ、その平坦プレートをやはり好ましくは溶接によって前記直立部材に取り付けることができる。
前記直立部材の一端は、地面係合手段に取り付けることが好ましい。前記固定手段は、該直立部材の他端に取り付けらることができる。
別法として、前記支持脚は、第１直立部材と、該第１直立部材内に摺動自在に受容された第２直立部材とで構成し、第１直立部材を地面係合手段に取り付け、第２直立部材は、その長手に沿っての所望の数の位置のうちの任意の１つの位置において第１直立部材に錠止することができるように構成する。その目的のために、第１直立部材部材に１対の互いに対向した孔を形成し、第２直立部材を前記任意の１つの位置に保持するための保持部材を第１直立部材の該１対の孔を通して挿通することができるようにすることができる。この保持部材は、ピンの形とすることができる。第２直立部材には、その長手に沿って間隔を置いて複数対の孔を形成し、各対の孔は、前記ピンを挿通することができるように互いに対向させる。かくして、第２直立部材を所望に応じて昇降させ、第２直立部材の所望の１対の孔が第１直立部材の孔に整列するように選択的に位置ぎめすることができ、それによって、ピンを第１及び第２直立部材の孔に挿通して両直立部材を錠止することができる。このピンには、それを第１直立部材に固定するためのばねクリップを設けることができる。
第１直立部材は、断面長方形とし、第２直立部材は、断面円形とすることが好ましい。第１直立部材の上端縁は、第２直立部材を安定化させるために（安定的に保持するために）半径方向内方へ折り曲げて（クリンプして）おくことができる。
使用中前記支持脚を安定化させるための安定化手段を設けることができる。好ましくは、この安定化手段は、前記直立部材の上下両端間の中央部分に取り付けた第２（別の）固定手段によって構成する。安定化手段は、互いに隣接した２個の第２固定手段によって構成することが好ましく、それらの第２固定手段追加の細長部材を挿通する。
本発明の別の側面によれば、上述した支持脚を２対設け、その第１対の支持脚と第２対の支持脚との間に細長部材を延設し、それらの細長部材の間に少くとも１つのプラットホーム部材を架け渡すことによって構成されるプラットホームを提供する。細長部材は、前記固定手段によって支持脚に固定する。
このプラットホームは、互いに隣接して配置した複数のプラットホーム部材で構成することができ、各プラットホーム部材に、それぞれ対応する孔と突起から成る協同手段を設け、各プラットホーム部材の該孔が隣接するプラットホーム部材の突起と協同してそれらのプラットホーム部材を結合状態に保持することができるように構成することができる。
各プラットホーム部材の一側縁に沿って間隔をおいて第１及び第２孔を形成し、他側縁に沿って間隔をおいて第１及び第２突起を形成し、各プラットホーム部材の該突起が隣接するプラットホーム部材の孔に受容されるように構成することができる。
別法として、支持脚に隣接して配置すべきプラットホーム部材の上面に前記固定手段の一部を受容するためのスリーブを設けることができる。
プラットホーム部材は、例えば板材のような細長い平面状部材の形とすることができる。
本発明の更に別の側面によれば、階段上にプラットホームを形成するのに使用するための支持組立体が提供される。この支持組立体は、上述した支持脚と、一端において階段の１つの段に係合するようになされている段係合部材と、該段係合部材をその一端から離隔した位置で支持するために該段係合部材に調節自在に固定されるようになされた支柱のような細長部材とから成る。
支持脚の前記直立部材は、段係合部材の一端と他端の間の部位において該段係合部材から延長させることができる。段係合部材の他端には前記支柱を固定するための第２固定手段を設けることが好ましい。この第２固定手段は、支柱を受容するように構成することができる。
この支持組立体には、安定化部材を構成する第３細長部材を前記直立部材に固定するための第３固定手段を設け、該安定化部材を該支持組立体から隣接する同様な支持組立体へ延長させることができるようにする。プレートに取り付けらることができる２つの第３固定手段を設けることが好ましい。
支持脚の直立部材に、控え部材を固定することができる。この控え部材は、直立部材から前記段にまで延長させることができる。控え部材は、細長い部材であることが好ましく、第４固定手段によって直立部材に固定するのが便利である。この第４固定手段は、控え部材を直立部材から10゜〜80゜、好ましくは30゜〜60゜の角度で延長させるように斜めに配置することができる。支持組立体は、上述した第１直立部材と第２直立部材を含むものとすることができる。
前記固定手段及び第２、第３及び第４固定手段は、それぞれ対応する前記細長部材を受容するように円形、正方形又は長方形等のＵ字形であることが好ましい。
各固定手段のＵ字形部材は、ボルトを受容するためのねじ孔を有しており、該ボルトは、Ｌ字形とすることができ、対応する前記細長部材に係合するように構成することが好ましい。
【図面の簡単な説明】
図１は、本発明による支持脚の側面図である。
図２は、図１に示された支持脚の側面図であり、固定手段の高さを調節することができる態様を示す。
図３は、図２の線III−IIIに沿ってみた図である。
図４は、図１と同様の本発明の別の実施例の図１と同様の図である。
図５は、図３の線Ｖ−Ｖに沿ってみた図である。
図６は、本発明の固定手段の拡大図である。
図７は、図１に示された複数の支持脚を組み入れたプラットホームの透視図である。
図８は、図７に示されたものの変型プラットホームの図である。
図8aは、図８の実施例に使用されるスリーブの拡大図である。
図９は、いろいろな高さの足場を有する図１及び２に示された支持システム（支持構造体）の側面図である。
図10及び10Aは、階段に使用するための複数の支持脚から成る組立体の側面図である。
図11は、図10に示された支持組立体の正面図である。
実施例の説明
図１〜３を参照すると、第１直立部材12と該第１直立部内に摺動自在に受容された第２直立部材14とで構成された支持手段と、横部材16の形とした地面係合手段とから成る本発明の第１実施例による支持脚10が示されている。図１及び２に示されるように、支持脚10は逆Ｔ字の形である。支持脚10の高さは、図１のでは例えば、500mmと800mmの間で、又は、800mmと1400mmの間で調節することができるが、支持脚10は他の任意の適当な高さとすることができる。
支持脚10は、又、Ｌ字形ボルト20とＵ字形部材22とで構成した固定手段18（図６参照）を備えている。Ｕ字形部材22は、平坦プレート23に溶接され、平坦プレート23は第２直立部材14の上端に溶接されている。
別の実施例として、第２直立部材を省除してもよく、その場合は、平坦プレート23第１直立部材12の上端に溶接する。そのような実施例の支持脚10の高さは、例えば、500mm又は800mmとすることができるが、他の任意の適当な高さとすることができる。
図６にみられるように、Ｌ字形ボルト20は、第１部分20Aと第２部分20Bを有し、第２部分20Bの端部にねじ20Cが刻設されている。ボルト20のねじ付端部20Cは、Ｕ字形部材22に形成された対応するねじ穴22Aに螺入することができる。所望ならば、ボルト20のねじ付端部20Cを初めてねじ穴22Aに螺入する際、Ｕ字形部材22からのボルト20の抜けを防止するためにボルトの先行ねじ山を変形させることができる。
使用においては、細長部材又はバー44をＵ字形部材22のＵ字開口に通した後、ねじ付きボルト20をＵ字形部材22のねじ穴22Aにねじ込んでバー44に圧接させることによりバー44を固定手段18に固定する。バー44は、隣接する支持脚110の安定化手段29にまで延長させてそれに固定し、それによって両支持脚110を結合してそれらを安定化させることができる。
第２直立部材14は、上下方向に隔置された複数対の孔24を有している。各対の孔24は、互いに対向しているが、図３には各対の孔24の一方だけしか示されていない。第１直立部材12は、互いに対向した１対の孔26を有している。第２直立部材14の複数対の孔24のうちの所望の１対を第１直立部材12の１対の孔26に整列させれば、ピン28を４つの孔24,26のすべてに通すことができ、それによって第１直立部材12を第２直立部材14に錠止することができる。かくして、異なる対の孔24を孔26に整列させ、ピン28を用いて第１直立部材12を複数の異なる高さのうちの任意の高さで第２直立部材14に錠止することができ、したが、地面からの固定手段18の高さを調節することができる。
図４及び５を参照すると、本発明の第２実施例による支持脚110が示されている。この支持脚は、その第１直立部材12が図１〜３の第１実施例のものより長く、安定化手段29を備えているという点を除いては第１実施例の支持脚とほぼ同じである。安定化手段29は、直立部材12の上下両端間の中間部分に溶接されたプレート30と、プレート30に溶接された第２及び第3U字形部材32,34と、第２及び第3U字形部材32,34にそれぞれ螺入させることができる第２及び第3L字形ねじ付きボルト36,38とで構成されている。図から分かるように、Ｕ字形部材32,34及びＬ字形ねじ付きボルト36,38は、Ｕ字形部材22及びＬ字形ねじ付きボルト20と同様のものであり、同様の態様で機能する。
図７を参照すると、複数の支持脚10と、それらの支持脚によって支持された複数の板材即ちプラットホーム部材42A〜42Eとから成るプラットホーム40が示されている。第１板材42Aは他の板材42B〜42Eより厚い。支持脚10は、プラットホーム40の４隅に配置され、図７でみて手前側の１対の支持脚10の間にバー44が延設され、向う側の１対の支持脚10の間にバー46が延設される。バー44,46は、先に述べた固定手段18（図７には示されていない）によって各支持脚10に固定される。即ち、バー44,46の両端を支持脚10の対応するＵ字形部材22に通し、Ｌ字形ボルト20をＵ字形部材22にねじ込んでバー44,46に係合させ、それらのバーをそれぞれの支持脚10に固定する。
次いで、第１板材42Aをバー44,46の上に架け渡す。図７にみられるように、第１板材42Aの先行側縁に１対の孔50が穿設されている。これらの孔50には、それぞれ第１板材42Aを所定位置に固定するのに用いられるフェルール（金環）が嵌められている。先にバー44,46を支持脚10に固定する際、Ｌ字形ボルト20の第１部分20Aがプラットホームに向けて内側を指すようにＵ字形部材22に締め付けておく。かくして、第１板材42Aをバー44,46の上に載せて図７でみて左方へ滑らせると、各ボルト20の水平な第１部分20Aが摺動する第１板材42Aの先行側縁の孔50に嵌められたフェルールに受容される。次いで、残りの板材42B〜42Eを図７に示されるようにバー44,46の上に載せる。
残りの板材42B〜42Eを所定位置に保持するために、各板材の一方の側縁に第１及び第２孔が形成され、反対側の他方の側縁に第１及び第２突起が形成されている。１つの板材の第１及び第２突起をそれと隣接する板材の第１及び第２孔に挿入して両板材を結合することができるようになされている。バー44,46上の最終（図７でみて最右端）の板材42Eは、Ｌ字形ボルト20の第１部分20Aによって所定位置に保持される。即ち、板材42Eを所定位置に配置したならば、Ｌ字形ボルト20を締め付けてその第１部分20Aをプラットホーム40の方に内方に向け、板材42Eの上面に係合させる。プラットホーム40の使用者は、必要なだけの数の板材42を用いることができる。
図８及び8aは、図７に示されたプラットホームの変型例である。この変型例では、第１板材42Aも、他の板材42B〜42Eと同じ厚さとする。そして、第１板材42Aをの先行側縁に孔50を穿設する代わりに、第１板材42Aの上面にＬ字形ボルト20の第１部分20Aを受容するための１対のスリーブ50Aを設ける。スリーブ50Aの１つが図８に詳細に示されている。各スリーブ50Aは、例えばねじ51のような適当な締着手段又は接着剤によって板材42Aに取り付けることができる。
別法として、複数の板材42A〜42Eの代わりに、適当な幅の単一のプラットホーム部材を用いてることもできる。
図９は、バー44,46をいろいろな異なる高さに支持するように配置された複数の支持脚10から成る支持システム60を示す。バー46は、バー44（符号44A,44B,44Cで示されている）の真後にあるので図９ではみられない。この支持システム60は、例えば、座席を必要とする野外コンサートやショーに用いることができる。図９でみて左側の支持脚10Aは、最も低い座席を提供する。バー44A及び46A（図示せず）は、図７、８に示されるように板材のための支持部材を構成する。中央の支持脚10Bは、中間の高さの座席を提供し、バー44B及び46B（図示せず）は板材のための支持部材を構成する。図９でみて右側の支持脚10Cは、最も高い座席を提供し、バー44C及び46C（図示せず）は板材のための支持部材を構成する。バー44A,46Aは、支持脚10Aから支持脚10B及び10Cの安定化手段29を通して延設され、支持システム60の中央及び右側部分を安定化させる。
図９の左側の支持脚10Aは、図１、２に示されるような支持脚であり、その第２直立部材14を最下位置にしてある。中央の支持脚10Bは、図４、５に示されるような支持脚であり、その第２直立部材14をやはり最下位置にしてある。図９の右側の支持脚10Cは、図４、５に示されるような支持脚であり、その第２直立部材14を上昇位置にセットしてある。バー44,46の上に載せられる板材は、図を簡略するために省略されている。
本発明の範囲から逸脱することなくいろいろな変型が可能である。例えば、上述したＵ字形部材のＵ字形は、ほぼ正方形であってもよい。
変型実施例の更に別の１例は、例えば壁紙張り作業に適するようなベンチの一部として支持脚10を用いる例である。そのような例では、支持脚10の間に複数の板材42の代わりに単一のボード（板）を配設する。例えば壁紙張り作業に使用するには、そのようなボードは、幅2.5ft（76.2cm）、長さ5ft（152.4cm）とすることができる。ボードは、例えば3/4in（1.905cm）の厚さの合板で形成することができる。ボードの一方の面にその一方の長手側縁に近接したところにボードと同じ長さのフレーム材を接着剤又はねじによって付設する。フレーム材の厚さは2in（5.08cm）、幅は5in（12.7cm）とすることができる。ボードの該一方の面にその他方の長手側縁に近接したところにボードと同じ長さの合板ストリップを付設することができる。この合板ストリップの厚さは3/4in（1.905cm）、幅は3in（7.62cm）とすることができる。かくして、ボードの一方の面に、そのフレーム材と合板ストリップとの間に凹部が形成される。この凹部は、幅約22in（55.88cm）であり、壁紙のロールをそれに糊を塗布するために受容するのに十分な幅である。
ボードの一方の長手側縁には、Ｌ字形ボルト20の水平な第１部分20Aを受容するフェルールを嵌めるための２つの穴を穿設することができる。あるいは別法として、図８に示されるように、ボードの上面に一方の長手側縁に近接したところで、Ｌ字形ボルトの水平な第１部分20Aを受容するスリーブを取り付けてもよい。
図10、10A及び11を参照すると、本発明の更に別の変型例として、プラットホームを階段上に設置することを可能にする支持組立体110が示されている。支持組立体110は、前側（図10、10Aでみて右側）に配置される１対の支持脚112,114と、後側（図10、10Aでみて左側）に配置される１対の支持脚162,164とから成る。各支持脚112,114,162,164は、第１直立部材116と該第１直立部内に摺動自在に受容された第２直立部材117とから成る。第１直立部材116は、階段の１つの段120に係合するための横断部材又は段係合部材118に連結されている。各横断部材118の一端には、該横断部材を階段の段120に係合するための大きな表面を提供するプレート122が取り付けられている。
図から分かるように、各第１直立部材116は、その横断部材118が係合する段120の上方位置で該横断部材118から立上るように横断部材118の中心から偏倚した位置で横断部材118から延長している。
各第１直立部材116の、プレート122のある側とは反対側の端部には、支柱126を受容するようになされたＵ字形部材124が設けられている。（Ｕ字形部材124のＵ字形は、正方形又は円形であってもよい。）Ｕ字形部材124は、先に説明したＵ字形部材と同じであり、やはり先に説明したようになＬ字形とすることができるボルト128を受容するねじ孔を備えている。ボルト128は、Ｕ字形部材124のねじ孔にねじ込むことによって支柱126に係合させて支柱を横断部材118に固定することができ、それによってそれぞれの支持脚112,114を支持する。支柱126の側壁には、Ｕ字形部材124に追加の支持を与えるためにＵ字形部材124の下面に係合させることができるピン132を通すための複数の孔130を上下方向に間隔を置いて穿設することができる。
安定化部材134が支持脚112と114の間に延設され、それぞれの支持脚の第１直立部材116に付設されたＵ字形部材136,138によって各支持脚に固定される。Ｕ字形部材136,138は、先に説明したＵ字形部材32,34と同様のものであり、同様の態様で機能する。
控え部材144が、各直立部材116から斜め下方へ横断部材118によって係合されている段120の上の段146にまで延設されている。直立部材116に対する控え部材144の角度は、30゜〜60゜の範囲である。
各直立部材116には、対応する控え部材144を受容するように斜めに角度を付された第4U字形部材147が付設されており、各控え部材144をそれぞれ対応する第4U字形部材147に固定するためのボルト148が設けられている。
各第２直立部材117は、上下方向に隔置された複数対の対向した孔150を有している。第１直立部材116は、互いに対向した１対の孔152を有している。第２直立部材117の複数対の孔150のうちの所望の１対を第１直立部材116の１対の孔152に整列させて、ピン154をそれらの孔に通すことにより第１直立部材116を第２直立部材117に対して所望の位置に錠止することができる。かくして、第２直立部材117の上端の高さを調節することができる。
図６及び７に示されるバー44と同様の態様で２つの支持脚112と114と間に延設されるバー158を受容するためのＵ字形部材156が各第２直立部材117の上端に溶接されている。バー158は、先にバー44に関連して説明したのと同様の態様で、Ｌ字形ボルト160をＵ字形部材156のねじ孔に螺入することによって支持脚112,114に固定することができる。
追加の対の支持脚162,164が、段120より高い段166上に立設される。追加の対の支持脚162,164も、支持脚112,114と同じであり、同じ部材は同じ参照番号で示されている。追加の対の支持脚162,164の第２直立部材117の高さは、その上端のＵ字形部材156が、支持脚112,114の第２直立部材117の上端のＵ字形部材156と同じ高さとなるように調節される。
第１対の支持脚112,114のバー158と追加の対の支持脚162,164のバー158との間に複数の板材166が架け渡され、図８、8aの実施例の場合と同様に、両側の板材166の上面に付設された適当なスリーブにＬ字形ボルト160を係合させることによって板材を所定位置に保持する（図10A参照）。
板材166に追加の支持を与えるために更に１対の支持脚10（先に説明した支持脚10と同様のもの）を階段の頂部踊り場170に立設することができる。支持脚10と10の間にバー44を延設し、それらのバーの上に板材166を載せることができる。かくして、階段に設置されたプラットホーム（２つの支持組立体110とそれらの間に架け渡された板材166から成る）へ踊り場170からアクセスすることができる。図10Aの例では、支持脚10と、図10Aでみて最右側の支持組立体110との間に追加の支持組立体110が設けられているが、支持脚10と最右側の支持組立体110との間の距離が余り長くない場合は、支持脚10の最右側の支持組立体110との間の中間に追加の支持組立体110を設ける必要がない。
支持脚10を運ぶために、細長部材44と同様の断面形状の短い管を用いることができる。図８及び8aにみられるように、複数の、例えば４つの支持脚10が設けられる例は多々ある。その場合、短い管を各支持脚10のＵ字形部材22に挿入し、ボルト20をねじ込んで該短い管に圧着させて固定することができる。かくして、４つの支持脚10をまとめて運ぶためにボルト20をハンドルとして用いることができる。
上述した本発明の支持脚の１つの利点は、多種多様の目的のためのプラットホームを構成することができることである。例えば、本発明の支持脚によって構築されたプラットホームは、作業ベンチ、トレッスル、床、屋台、仮設座席のための棚等として使用することができる。ここに挙げた用途の例は、すべての用途を網羅したものではなく、本発明の支持脚を応用することができる用途は他にも多々存在することは明らかであろう。 TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a support leg.
Technical background Plasterers and builders often require some form of platform to reach the ceiling, for example.
Various forms of platforms are used for this purpose, such as using a trestle on which an operator can stand, or if a trestle is not available, such as a wooden frame or A ready-to-use platform can be constructed using wood board. However, such a structure is not satisfactory because it is unstable and lacks strength.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to eliminate or mitigate these disadvantages of the prior art.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, it comprises an upright member and a securing means for securing the elongate member to the upright member, wherein the elongate member is secured to the upright member to define at least a portion of the platform. The platform member can be supported on the elongated member, and the fixing means includes a fixing position for fixing the elongated member to the upright member, and removing the elongated member from the upright member. A platform is provided that is movable between an unfixed position allowing.
Preferably, the securing means comprises a projecting member adapted to engage the platform member and hold the platform member on the elongated member when it is brought into the secured position. The projecting member is an elongated member so that it can project transversely from the upright member when the securing means is brought into the secured position.
The securing means is preferably configured to receive the elongate member and may be in the form of a U-shaped member to receive one end portion of the elongate member. For example, the U-shaped member may be curved to receive an elongated member that is substantially cylindrical in cross section. Alternatively, the U-shape of the U-shaped member can be square or rectangular to receive an elongated member having a substantially square or rectangular cross-sectional shape.
The U-shaped member may be formed with a screw hole that engages with the elongated member received in the U-shaped member and is screwed with a bolt for fixing the elongated member. The bolt may have a shape having a first threaded portion and a second portion extending in a transverse direction from the first threaded portion, and the second portion may constitute the protruding member. The bolt is preferably substantially L-shaped.
The present invention is particularly suitable for use in combination with elongate members, for example in the form of cylindrical bars or rectangular bars.
At least one side edge of the platform member is formed with a plurality of holes capable of receiving the protruding member, and the platform member is inserted into the hole of the platform member by inserting the protruding member into the elongated member. It can be configured to be held on top. Alternatively, a plurality of sleeves capable of receiving the projecting member are attached to at least one upper surface of the platform member, and the platform member is inserted into the sleeve of the platform member by inserting the projecting member into the sleeve. It can comprise so that it can hold | maintain on a member.
The U-shaped member can be attached to the substantially flat plate at both ends, preferably by welding, and the flat plate can also be attached to the upright member, preferably also by welding.
One end of the upright member is preferably attached to the ground engaging means. The fixing means can be attached to the other end of the upright member.
Alternatively, the support leg comprises a first upright member and a second upright member slidably received in the first upright member, and the first upright member is attached to the ground engaging means, The second upright member is configured such that it can be locked to the first upright member at any one of a desired number of positions along its length. For that purpose, a pair of mutually opposing holes is formed in the first upright member member, and the holding member for holding the second upright member in the arbitrary one position is the pair of first upright members. It can be made to be able to be inserted through the hole. This holding member can be in the form of a pin. A plurality of pairs of holes are formed in the second upright member at intervals along the length thereof, and each pair of holes is opposed to each other so that the pin can be inserted therethrough. Thus, the second upright member can be raised and lowered as desired, and selectively positioned so that the desired pair of holes in the second upright member are aligned with the holes in the first upright member, thereby The pins can be inserted through the holes of the first and second upright members to lock both upright members. The pin can be provided with a spring clip for securing it to the first upright member.
The first upright member is preferably rectangular in cross section, and the second upright member is preferably circular in cross section. The upper edge of the first upright member can be bent (crimped) radially inward to stabilize (stablely hold) the second upright member.
Stabilization means may be provided for stabilizing the support legs during use. Preferably, the stabilizing means is constituted by a second (another) fixing means attached to a central portion between the upper and lower ends of the upright member. The stabilizing means is preferably constituted by two second fixing means adjacent to each other, and an elongated member in addition to the second fixing means is inserted.
According to another aspect of the present invention, two pairs of the above-described support legs are provided, an elongated member is extended between the first pair of support legs and the second pair of support legs, and the elongated members are interposed between them. A platform constructed by spanning at least one platform member. The elongated member is fixed to the support leg by the fixing means.
The platform can be composed of a plurality of platform members arranged adjacent to each other, and each platform member is provided with cooperative means comprising corresponding holes and protrusions, and the platform members in which the holes of each platform member are adjacent to each other. The platform members can be configured to be held in a coupled state in cooperation with the projections.
First and second holes are formed at intervals along one side edge of each platform member, and first and second protrusions are formed at intervals along the other side edge, and the protrusions of each platform member are formed. Can be configured to be received in the holes of adjacent platform members.
Alternatively, a sleeve for receiving a portion of the securing means may be provided on the upper surface of the platform member to be placed adjacent to the support leg.
The platform member may be in the form of an elongated planar member such as a plate.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a support assembly is provided for use in forming a platform on a staircase. The support assembly supports the above-described support leg, a step engagement member that is engaged with one step of the step at one end, and the step engagement member at a position spaced from the one end. And an elongated member such as a column that is adjustably fixed to the step engaging member.
The upright member of the support leg can be extended from the step engagement member at a portion between one end and the other end of the step engagement member. It is preferable to provide the 2nd fixing means for fixing the said support | pillar at the other end of the step engaging member. The second securing means can be configured to receive the struts.
The support assembly is provided with third fixing means for fixing the third elongated member constituting the stabilizing member to the upright member, and the similar supporting assembly is adjacent to the supporting assembly. It can be extended to. It is preferred to provide two third securing means that can be attached to the plate.
The stay member can be fixed to the upright member of the support leg. The retaining member can be extended from the upright member to the step. The holding member is preferably an elongated member, and is conveniently fixed to the upright member by the fourth fixing means. The fourth fixing means can be disposed obliquely so that the retaining member extends from the upright member at an angle of 10 ° to 80 °, preferably 30 ° to 60 °. The support assembly may include the first upright member and the second upright member described above.
The fixing means and the second, third and fourth fixing means are preferably U-shaped such as circular, square or rectangular so as to receive the corresponding elongated members.
The U-shaped member of each securing means has a threaded hole for receiving a bolt, which may be L-shaped and configured to engage the corresponding elongated member. preferable.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of a support leg according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the support leg shown in FIG. 1 and shows a mode in which the height of the fixing means can be adjusted.
FIG. 3 is a view taken along line III-III in FIG.
4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of another embodiment of the present invention similar to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a view taken along line VV in FIG.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the fixing means of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a platform incorporating the plurality of support legs shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram of a modified platform of that shown in FIG.
FIG. 8a is an enlarged view of the sleeve used in the embodiment of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a side view of the support system (support structure) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 having scaffolds of various heights.
10 and 10A are side views of an assembly of a plurality of support legs for use in stairs.
FIG. 11 is a front view of the support assembly shown in FIG.
Description of the embodiment Referring to Figs. 1-3, a support means comprising a first upright member 12 and a second upright member 14 slidably received in the first upright portion; A support leg 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprising ground engaging means in the form of a member 16 is shown. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support legs 10 are inverted T-shaped. In FIG. 1, the height of the support leg 10 can be adjusted, for example, between 500 mm and 800 mm, or between 800 mm and 1400 mm, but the support leg 10 can be any other suitable height. Can do.
The support leg 10 is also provided with a fixing means 18 (see FIG. 6) constituted by an L-shaped bolt 20 and a U-shaped member 22. The U-shaped member 22 is welded to the flat plate 23, and the flat plate 23 is welded to the upper end of the second upright member 14.
As another example, the second upright member may be omitted, in which case the flat plate 23 is welded to the upper end of the first upright member 12. The height of the support leg 10 in such an embodiment can be, for example, 500 mm or 800 mm, but can be any other suitable height.
As shown in FIG. 6, the L-shaped bolt 20 has a first portion 20A and a second portion 20B, and a screw 20C is engraved at the end of the second portion 20B. The threaded end 20C of the bolt 20 can be screwed into a corresponding screw hole 22A formed in the U-shaped member 22. If desired, when the threaded end 20C of the bolt 20 is screwed into the screw hole 22A for the first time, the leading thread of the bolt can be deformed to prevent the bolt 20 from coming off the U-shaped member 22.
In use, after passing the elongated member or bar 44 through the U-shaped opening of the U-shaped member 22, the screw 44 is screwed into the screw hole 22 </ b> A of the U-shaped member 22 to press-contact the bar 44. Secure to means 18. The bar 44 can be extended to and secured to the stabilizing means 29 of the adjacent support leg 110, thereby coupling the support legs 110 together and stabilizing them.
The second upright member 14 has a plurality of pairs of holes 24 spaced in the vertical direction. Each pair of holes 24 oppose each other, but only one of each pair of holes 24 is shown in FIG. The first upright member 12 has a pair of holes 26 facing each other. If the desired pair of the plurality of pairs of holes 24 in the second upright member 14 is aligned with the pair of holes 26 in the first upright member 12, the pin 28 is passed through all four holes 24,26. Thereby allowing the first upright member 12 to be locked to the second upright member 14. Thus, different pairs of holes 24 can be aligned with the holes 26, and the pins 28 can be used to lock the first upright member 12 to the second upright member 14 at any of a plurality of different heights. However, the height of the fixing means 18 from the ground can be adjusted.
4 and 5, a support leg 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. This support leg is substantially the same as the support leg of the first embodiment except that the first upright member 12 is longer than that of the first embodiment of FIGS. It is. The stabilizing means 29 includes a plate 30 welded to an intermediate portion between the upper and lower ends of the upright member 12, second and third U-shaped members 32 and 34 welded to the plate 30, and second and third U-shaped members 32. , 34 can be screwed into the second and third L-shaped threaded bolts 36, 38, respectively. As can be seen, the U-shaped members 32, 34 and L-shaped threaded bolts 36, 38 are similar to the U-shaped member 22 and L-shaped threaded bolt 20 and function in a similar manner.
Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a platform 40 comprising a plurality of support legs 10 and a plurality of plates or platform members 42A-42E supported by the support legs. The first plate material 42A is thicker than the other plate materials 42B to 42E. The support legs 10 are arranged at the four corners of the platform 40, and a bar 44 is extended between the pair of support legs 10 on the front side as viewed in FIG. 7, and the bar 46 is interposed between the pair of support legs 10 on the opposite side. Is extended. The bars 44 and 46 are fixed to the respective support legs 10 by the fixing means 18 (not shown in FIG. 7) described above. That is, both ends of the bars 44 and 46 are passed through the corresponding U-shaped members 22 of the support legs 10, and the L-shaped bolts 20 are screwed into the U-shaped members 22 to be engaged with the bars 44 and 46. Secure to the leg 10.
Next, the first plate member 42A is bridged over the bars 44 and 46. As seen in FIG. 7, a pair of holes 50 are formed in the leading side edge of the first plate member 42A. Each of these holes 50 is fitted with a ferrule (metal ring) used to fix the first plate member 42A in a predetermined position. When the bars 44 and 46 are fixed to the supporting leg 10 first, the first portion 20A of the L-shaped bolt 20 is fastened to the U-shaped member 22 so that it points inward toward the platform. Thus, when the first plate 42A is placed on the bars 44 and 46 and slid to the left as viewed in FIG. 7, the horizontal first portion 20A of each bolt 20 slides on the leading side edge of the first plate 42A. It is received by a ferrule fitted in the hole 50. Next, the remaining plate members 42B to 42E are placed on the bars 44 and 46 as shown in FIG.
In order to hold the remaining plate members 42B to 42E at predetermined positions, first and second holes are formed on one side edge of each plate member, and first and second protrusions are formed on the other side edge on the opposite side. ing. The first and second protrusions of one plate member are inserted into the first and second holes of the plate member adjacent to the first and second protrusions so that the two plate members can be coupled. The final plate material 42E (the rightmost end in FIG. 7) on the bars 44 and 46 is held in place by the first portion 20A of the L-shaped bolt 20. That is, when the plate member 42E is disposed at a predetermined position, the L-shaped bolt 20 is tightened so that the first portion 20A is directed inward toward the platform 40 and engaged with the upper surface of the plate member 42E. A user of the platform 40 can use as many plates 42 as necessary.
8 and 8a are variations of the platform shown in FIG. In this modified example, the first plate 42A has the same thickness as the other plates 42B to 42E. Then, instead of making the hole 50 in the leading side edge of the first plate member 42A, a pair of sleeves 50A for receiving the first portion 20A of the L-shaped bolt 20 is provided on the upper surface of the first plate member 42A. One of the sleeves 50A is shown in detail in FIG. Each sleeve 50A can be attached to the plate 42A by an appropriate fastening means such as a screw 51 or an adhesive.
Alternatively, a single platform member with an appropriate width may be used in place of the plurality of plates 42A-42E.
FIG. 9 shows a support system 60 consisting of a plurality of support legs 10 arranged to support the bars 44, 46 at a variety of different heights. Bar 46 is not seen in FIG. 9 because it is directly behind bar 44 (indicated by reference numerals 44A, 44B, 44C). The support system 60 can be used, for example, in outdoor concerts and shows that require a seat. In FIG. 9, the left support leg 10A provides the lowest seat. Bars 44A and 46A (not shown) constitute a support member for the plate as shown in FIGS. The central support leg 10B provides an intermediate height seat, and the bars 44B and 46B (not shown) constitute a support member for the plate. In FIG. 9, the right support leg 10C provides the highest seat, and the bars 44C and 46C (not shown) constitute a support member for the plate. The bars 44A, 46A extend from the support leg 10A through the stabilizing means 29 of the support legs 10B and 10C to stabilize the center and right side portions of the support system 60.
The left supporting leg 10A in FIG. 9 is a supporting leg as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the second upright member 14 is in the lowest position. The central support leg 10B is a support leg as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the second upright member 14 is also in the lowest position. The support leg 10C on the right side of FIG. 9 is a support leg as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the second upright member 14 is set in the raised position. The plate material placed on the bars 44 and 46 is omitted for the sake of simplicity.
Various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the U-shape of the U-shaped member described above may be substantially square.
Yet another example of a variant embodiment is an example in which the support leg 10 is used as part of a bench, for example suitable for wallpapering. In such an example, a single board (plate) is disposed between the support legs 10 instead of the plurality of plate members 42. For example, for use in wallpapering, such a board can be 2.5ft (76.2cm) wide and 5ft (152.4cm) long. The board can be formed of, for example, 3/4 inch (1.905 cm) plywood. A frame material having the same length as that of the board is attached to one side of the board in the vicinity of one of the long side edges by an adhesive or a screw. The frame material can be 2in (5.08cm) thick and 5in (12.7cm) wide. A plywood strip having the same length as the board can be attached to the one side of the board in the vicinity of the other longitudinal side edge. The plywood strip can be 3/4 in (1.905 cm) thick and 3 in (7.62 cm) wide. Thus, a recess is formed on one side of the board between the frame material and the plywood strip. This recess is approximately 22 inches (55.88 cm) wide and is wide enough to receive a roll of wallpaper for applying glue thereto.
Two longitudinal holes for receiving a ferrule for receiving the horizontal first portion 20A of the L-shaped bolt 20 can be formed in one longitudinal side edge of the board. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, a sleeve for receiving the horizontal first portion 20A of the L-shaped bolt may be attached to the top surface of the board proximate to one longitudinal edge.
Referring to FIGS. 10, 10A and 11, as yet another variation of the present invention, a support assembly 110 is shown that allows the platform to be installed on a staircase. The support assembly 110 includes a pair of support legs 112 and 114 disposed on the front side (right side as viewed in FIGS. 10 and 10A), and a pair of support legs 162 and 164 disposed on the rear side (left side as viewed in FIGS. 10 and 10A). Consists of. Each support leg 112, 114, 162, 164 includes a first upright member 116 and a second upright member 117 slidably received in the first upright portion. The first upright member 116 is connected to a cross member or step engagement member 118 for engaging one step 120 of the staircase. Mounted at one end of each cross member 118 is a plate 122 that provides a large surface for engaging the cross member to the step 120 of the staircase.
As can be seen, each first upstanding member 116 is transverse to the transverse member 118 at a position offset from the center of the transverse member 118 to rise from the transverse member 118 above the step 120 with which the transverse member 118 engages. It is extended from.
A U-shaped member 124 adapted to receive the column 126 is provided at the end of each first upright member 116 opposite to the side on which the plate 122 is located. (The U-shape of the U-shaped member 124 may be square or circular.) The U-shaped member 124 is the same as the U-shaped member described above, and is also L-shaped as described above. A screw hole for receiving the bolt 128 can be provided. The bolt 128 can be engaged with the post 126 by screwing it into the threaded hole of the U-shaped member 124 to secure the post to the cross member 118, thereby supporting the respective support legs 112,114. A plurality of holes 130 are vertically spaced in the sidewalls of the struts 126 for passing pins 132 that can be engaged with the lower surface of the U-shaped member 124 to provide additional support to the U-shaped member 124. Can be drilled.
A stabilizing member 134 extends between the support legs 112 and 114 and is fixed to each support leg by U-shaped members 136 and 138 attached to the first upright member 116 of each support leg. U-shaped members 136 and 138 are similar to U-shaped members 32 and 34 described above and function in a similar manner.
A retaining member 144 extends from each upstanding member 116 diagonally downward to a step 146 above the step 120 that is engaged by the cross member 118. The angle of the holding member 144 with respect to the upright member 116 is in the range of 30 ° to 60 °.
Each upright member 116 is provided with a fourth U-shaped member 147 that is obliquely angled to receive the corresponding retaining member 144, and each retaining member 144 is fixed to the corresponding fourth U-shaped member 147. A bolt 148 is provided for this purpose.
Each of the second upright members 117 has a plurality of pairs of opposed holes 150 that are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The first upright member 116 has a pair of holes 152 facing each other. A desired pair of the plurality of pairs of holes 150 of the second upright member 117 is aligned with the pair of holes 152 of the first upright member 116, and the pin 154 is passed through the holes, thereby causing the first upright member 116 to pass. Can be locked in a desired position with respect to the second upright member 117. Thus, the height of the upper end of the second upright member 117 can be adjusted.
A U-shaped member 156 for receiving a bar 158 extending between two support legs 112 and 114 in a manner similar to the bar 44 shown in FIGS. Has been. The bar 158 can be secured to the support legs 112 and 114 by screwing the L-shaped bolt 160 into the threaded hole of the U-shaped member 156 in a manner similar to that previously described with respect to the bar 44.
Additional pairs of support legs 162, 164 are erected on a step 166 higher than the step 120. The additional pairs of support legs 162, 164 are also the same as support legs 112, 114, and the same elements are indicated by the same reference numerals. The height of the second upright member 117 of the additional pair of support legs 162 and 164 is such that the U-shaped member 156 at the upper end thereof is the same height as the U-shaped member 156 at the upper end of the second upright member 117 of the support legs 112 and 114. Adjusted.
A plurality of plates 166 are spanned between the bars 158 of the first pair of support legs 112, 114 and the bars 158 of the additional pairs of support legs 162, 164, and the plates on both sides are the same as in the embodiment of FIGS. The plate member is held in a predetermined position by engaging the L-shaped bolt 160 with an appropriate sleeve attached to the upper surface of 166 (see FIG. 10A).
An additional pair of support legs 10 (similar to the support legs 10 described above) can be erected on the top landing 170 of the stairs to provide additional support to the board 166. A bar 44 can be extended between the support legs 10 and 10, and a plate material 166 can be placed on these bars. Thus, the platform (which consists of two support assemblies 110 and a plate 166 spanned between them) installed on the stairs can be accessed from the landing 170. In the example of FIG. 10A, an additional support assembly 110 is provided between the support leg 10 and the rightmost support assembly 110 in FIG. 10A, but the support leg 10 and the rightmost support assembly 110 are provided. If the distance between them is not too long, it is not necessary to provide an additional support assembly 110 in the middle of the support leg 10 with respect to the rightmost support assembly 110.
In order to carry the support leg 10, a short tube having a cross-sectional shape similar to that of the elongated member 44 can be used. As seen in FIGS. 8 and 8a, there are many examples in which a plurality of, for example, four support legs 10 are provided. In that case, a short tube can be inserted into the U-shaped member 22 of each support leg 10, and the bolt 20 can be screwed in and crimped to the short tube to be fixed. Thus, the bolt 20 can be used as a handle to carry the four support legs 10 together.
One advantage of the support legs of the present invention described above is that a platform for a wide variety of purposes can be constructed. For example, a platform constructed with the support legs of the present invention can be used as a work bench, trestle, floor, stall, shelf for temporary seats, and the like. It will be apparent that the examples of applications listed here are not exhaustive and that there are many other applications where the support legs of the present invention can be applied.

Claims

A platform comprising a support leg, an elongate member that can be secured to the support leg, and a platform member that can be supported on the elongate member,
The support leg includes support means and fixing means for fixing the elongated member to the support means,
The fixing means is movable between a fixing position for fixing the elongated member to the supporting means and an unfixed position where the elongated member can be removed from the supporting means,
The platform comprises a protrusion adapted to engage the platform member to hold the platform member on the elongated member when the securing means is in the locked position.

A platform comprising a support leg, an elongate member that can be fixed to the support leg, a platform member that can be supported on the elongate member, and a fixing means for fixing the elongate member and the platform member to the support leg,
The securing means includes a molded member that receives the elongated member,
The molded member has a portion extending around the elongated member,
The fixing means further includes a bolt,
The molded member also defines a screw hole for receiving the bolt that engages an elongated member received in the molded member;
The bolt is movable between a fixed position for fixing the elongated member and the platform member to the support leg and a non-fixed position where the elongated member and the platform member can be detached from the support leg,
The bolt includes a first threaded portion and a second portion extending transversely from the first threaded portion,
The second portion comprises a protrusion that extends above the elongate member, and the protrusion may engage the platform member to hold the platform member on the elongate member when the bolt is in a fixed position. A platform characterized by that.

3. A platform according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protrusion is elongated and extends transversely from the support means when the fixing means is in the fixed position.

4. A platform according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the securing means comprises a substantially U-shaped member adapted to receive an elongated member.

5. The platform according to claim 4, wherein the U-shaped member is provided with a screw hole for receiving the bolt and engaging with an elongated member received in the U-shaped member.

The platform according to claim 5, wherein the bolt has a first threaded portion and a second portion extending transversely from the first threaded portion, the second portion forming the protrusion.

The platform according to claim 6, wherein the bolt is substantially L-shaped.

The at least one of the platform members is provided with a hole on one side edge thereof, and the protrusion can be received in one of the holes of the platform member to hold the platform member on the elongated member. Platform according to any of 1-7.

8. At least one of said platform members is provided with a sleeve on the upper surface thereof, and said protrusion is acceptable in one of said sleeves for holding the platform member on the elongated member. A platform that follows.

The platform according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the U-shaped member has an end attached to a substantially flat surface, and the flat surface is attached to support means.

11. The platform according to claim 1, wherein one end of the support means is attached to a ground engaging means, and the fixing means is attached to the other end of the support means.

The support means includes first and second upright members, the first upright member is attached to the ground engaging means, the second upright member is slidable within the first upright member, and the second upright member 11. A platform according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the member can be locked to the first upright member at any desired number of positions along the length of the second upright member.

The first upright member is provided with a pair of holes, and the pair of holes are arranged to face each other, and a holding member that holds the second upright member in a desired position is received through the first upright member. A platform according to claim 12, wherein:

14. A platform according to claim 13, wherein the retaining member is in the form of a pin.

The second upright member is provided with a plurality of sets of holes arranged substantially vertically, and the holes of each set are arranged to face each other to allow the holding member to pass through the second upright member. A platform according to any of paragraphs 13-15.

16. The platform according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the first upright member has a rectangular cross section and the second upright member has a circular cross section.

17. The platform according to claim 16, wherein an upper end region of the first upright member is bent radially inward.

18. A platform according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein stabilizing means are provided to stabilize the support legs when in use.

19. A platform according to claim 18, wherein said stabilizing means comprises second fixing means attached to the central portion of the support means.

20. A platform according to claim 19, wherein said stabilizing means comprises two said second fixing means, both second fixing means being arranged adjacent to each other for receiving further elongate members here.

A plurality of said platform members arranged adjacent to each other, each platform member being provided with cooperating means in the form of corresponding holes and protrusions, the holes of one platform member being adjacent to each other to hold the platform members together 21. A platform according to any one of claims 1 to 20 adapted to cooperate with a protrusion of a platform member.

Each platform member is provided with first and second holes along one side edge thereof, and first and second protrusions along the other side edge, and the projections of the platform member are holes of adjacent platform members. A platform according to claim 21 adapted to be accepted into the platform.

A support leg for use on a platform as defined in claim 1 or 2, comprising the support means and a protrusion.

A platform for use on stairs,
A plurality of support assemblies, first and second elongated members, and a plurality of platform members;
Each support assembly includes support means and securing means for securing the elongated member to the support means;
When the elongate member is secured to the support means, the platform member may be supported on the elongate member to form at least a portion of the platform;
The fixing means is movable between a fixing position for fixing the elongated member to the supporting means and an unfixed position where the elongated member can be removed from the supporting means,
Each support assembly includes a step engagement member from which support means extends,
The step engaging member has first and second ends, and the first end is adapted to engage the step.
The support assembly further includes a strut adapted to be adjustably secured to the step engagement member for supporting the step engagement member at a position spaced from the first end thereof. .

25. A support assembly according to claim 24, wherein the support means extends from the step engagement means at a position intermediate the first and second ends.

26. A support assembly according to claim 25, wherein the support means extends from the step engagement means at a location near the first end.

27. The second end portion of the step engaging member is provided with a second fixing means for fixing a post to the second end portion, and the second fixing means is adapted to receive the post. Support assembly.

25. A third securing means for securing a third elongate member in the form of a stabilizing member to the support means, the stabilizing member being extendable from a support assembly to an adjacent similar support assembly. A support assembly according to any of -27.

29. A support assembly according to claim 28, wherein two of said third securing means are attached to the plate.

30. A support assembly according to any of claims 24 to 29, wherein a bracing member is secured to the support means, the bracing member being adapted to extend from the support means to a stage.

The bracing member is elongated and fixed to the upright member by a fourth fixing means, which allows the bracing member to extend from the upright member at an angle of 10 to 80 degrees. The support assembly according to claim 30, wherein the support assembly is angled as follows.

32. A support assembly according to claims 24-31, wherein said securing means and said second, third and fourth securing means are adapted to receive said suitable elongate member and are U-shaped structures.

The support assembly according to claim 32, wherein the U-shaped member of each securing means is provided with a screw hole for receiving a bolt, the bolt being substantially L-shaped and adapted to engage with an elongated member. Solid.

The support means includes first and second upright members, the first upright member is attached to the step engagement member, the second upright member is slidable within the first upright member, and the second upright member 33. A support assembly according to any of claims 24-32, wherein the member can be locked to any one of a desired number of positions along the length of the second upstanding member relative to the first support member.

35. A support assembly for use in forming a platform as claimed in any of claims 24-34, comprising: support means; and fixing means for fixing an elongated member to the support means. And a step engagement member from which the support means extends, the step engagement member having first and second ends, wherein the first end is adapted to engage the step, The support assembly further includes a strut adapted to be adjustably secured to the step engagement member to support the step engagement member at a position spaced from the first end thereof.